Andy, Will It Work? Microfiber cloth claims to clean without chemicals

After our test -- a scientific test, no less -- this cloth may revolutionize how we clean surfaces in our homes and offices.

The Norwex Antibac Microfiber Cloth, about $32 for a starter pack, is sold online and by certified consultants at parties (think Tupperware or Pampered Chef).

Norwex Consultant Debbie Cassman of Arlington, TN, demonstrated how well the microfiber cloth and its accompanying polishing cloth clean windows, countertops (including granite) and stainless steel -- only with water.

But it's Norwex's antibacterial claim that earned its spot on Andy, Will It Work?

"Inside is silver embedded within the cloth," Cassman said. "Any germs are killed or destroyed by the silver within 24 hours of use."

"Silver has long been used as an anti-microbial," said Bridget Fisher, microbiology lab coordinator at the University of Memphis. Fisher clarified, though, that the silver should aid the Norwex cloth in removing bacteria from a surface, not in killing or destroying it.

Fisher designed a scientific test in which several dozen sterile petri dishes were contaminated with e-coli bacteria.

A set amount of dishes were left untreated as the experiment's control.

Several dishes were treated with a paper towel sprayed with a leading all-purpose cleaner.

Several were treated with a generic microfiber towel soaked with sterile water.

The rest, treated with the Norwex Antibac Microfiber Cloth, also soaked with sterile water.

Following scientific method, Fisher exposed and treated the dishes, then put them in an incubator for 24 hours.

24 hours later, she examined and measured the amount of bacteria in each dish. She discovered the dishes treated with the paper towel and cleaner removed NONE of the e-coli bacteria. The generic microfiber removed 84 percent of the bacteria.

Then, Fisher dropped our jaws with the Norwex data.

"I found that the Norwex cloth could reduce the bacteria that we recovered from the surface by 92 percent," she said.

92 percent! Without chemical additives or sprays!

Fisher said the data was a revelation to her about what may really work in removing contaminants from household surfaces.

"When cleaning a spill in your home, perhaps a cloth is better than using a paper towel and cleaner alone," she concluded.

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